Geoff Derrin · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
Also known as the pink rock orchid, *Dendrobium kingianum* is a popular Australian native orchid, notable for its ability to thrive on rocks and its beautiful spikes of pink to white flowers. It is highly valued in Australian native horticulture.
Field notes
Morphology
The pseudobulbs are succulent, measuring 5–30 cm long and 1–2.5 cm in diameter. Leaves are thin, green, smooth, and narrow egg-shaped, measuring 3–10 cm long and 10–20 mm wide. Flowers are arranged on a raceme 7–15 cm long, featuring sepals and petals that are usually pink but can range from pure white to dark purple. The labellum is typically 8–15 mm long and 7–12 mm wide, often marked with dark purple spots.
Distribution & habitat
It is endemic to eastern Australia, found from the coast to nearby ranges between the Hunter River in New South Wales and Rockhampton in Queensland, typically growing on rocks in forest and woodland.
Cultivation notes
It is relatively easy to grow and can be successfully cultivated on bark, fixed onto rock, or in a fast-draining medium of coarse bark and river pebbles. It prefers a warm, sunny position and high humidity, flowering best after a period of dry dormancy.
History & etymology
The species was first formally described by John Bidwill, with the manuscript published in The Botanical Register edited by John Lindley. The specific epithet, kingianum, honors Admiral Phillip Parker King, an early explorer of Australia’s southern and western coast.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- California, Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
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